BY ADAM ATKINSON
North Country This Week

CANTON — While petitions still have to be filed with the County Board of Elections, a race is already underway for several town positions, with five Republicans declaring candidacy last week.

At an official announcement in front of the municipal building on Main Street on Wednesday, Feb. 24, Deputy Town Clerk Heidi Smith declared her intention to run for town clerk. Joining her were three Republican candidates for town council, former deputy county treasurer Robert Santamoor, Paul Baxter and former town recreation director John Taillon; and Republican incumbent Town Justice Michael P. Morgan.

Election petitions can not be filed with the Board of Elections until March 22, but the announcements by the five Republicans join those of several other candidates who have declared they will run in November.

Sitting Town Clerk Karin Blackburn, a former town council member, who was appointed to the clerk’s spot by the town council at the end of last year following the retirement of long-time clerk Lisa Hammond, has announced her candidacy for the clerk’s position.

Incumbent Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley has decided to run again for her current position.

Newly appointed Town Councilwoman Martha Foley has also announced she will run for her seat in the fall.

The announcements by the five Republicans come on the heels of some recent controversy surrounding Blackburn’s appointment to the clerk’s position.

Smith, who has worked as deputy clerk for the last three years, was recommended for the clerk’s spot by Hammond upon her retirement, but the town board at a Dec. 31, 2020 meeting opted to appoint Blackburn instead. The move sparked many public comments in support of Smith at the town board meeting when Blackburn was appointed.

“My three years experience, my training, my knowledge, and most of all, the working relationships that I have built and maintained make me well qualified and prepared to take on the role of Canton Town Clerk,” Smith said in her official announcement on her Facebook page.

“The town clerk works with local and state offices to maintain the records for the town. This requires someone who, among many things is organized and a team player. Which I am. My positive attitude and willingness to lend a helping hand promote a supportive office culture. I have proven in the past that I can efficiently and successfully manage the job,” Smith said.